John Hancock

PRONUNCIATION:

(jon HAN-kok)

MEANING:

noun: A person’s signature.

ETYMOLOGY:

After John Hancock (1737-1793), American politician and revolutionary
leader. He was president of the Continental Congress (1775-1777) and the
first to sign the Declaration of Independence. His large flamboyant
signature on the document made his name synonymous with one’s signature.
Earliest documented use: 1834.

USAGE:

“The Bill was smuggled through the House of Assembly before being bulldozed
through the Senate until it landed on President Mugabe for his John Hancock.”
Cyril Zenda; Will Mugabe Come to Rescue?; The Financial Gazette (Harare,
Zimbabwe); Oct 27, 2016.